Off-site hotel help please now that EE will be gone

[OneTrackMind]

Hi. I’ve been waiting for the 2026 onsite hotel reservations to open. Now that EE will be gone, I don’t see how I can justify the onsite cost. We always maximized EE every day - it was still very valuable to us even at only 30 minutes, as we could usually get at least three to five big rides done.

So now I have to look at offsite hotels, which I’ve never paid any attention to before. There are so many threads and so much information on this forum that I don’t even know where to start.

We are going in February 2026. Me, DH and DS (23). DH doesn’t like long walks back to the hotel so we stayed at GCH the last few trips. That means staying as close as possible is a priority. While we appreciated the GCH’s features, we don’t actually care about luxury - basic is fine as long as it’s clean. We also don’t need parking and likely wouldn’t be using a pool. A mini-fridge and microwave would be ideal. If any other information would be useful, please let me know.

I know there are lots of strong opinions on the various options and I’m happy to hear all of them!

Thanks!

 

[irlandaise]

Although you say "as close as possible," don't rule out the delightful Candy Cane Inn. It's only a 10-minute walk (you don't even have to cross Harbor Blvd.), and it has an hourly shuttle if you don't want to walk. Also a nice breakfast, included.

 

[OneTrackMind]

Although you say "as close as possible," don't rule out the delightful Candy Cane Inn. It's only a 10-minute walk (you don't even have to cross Harbor Blvd.), and it has an hourly shuttle if you don't want to walk. Also a nice breakfast, included.

Thanks! Is that 10 minutes to security or to the turnstiles? So about as close as DLH? Not crossing Harbour sounds appealing!

 

[mdmost]

Crossing Harbor is no problem at all. It is completely safe, barely any cars are waiting on pedestrians, and you will have lots of other hotel guests and cast members going that way. The closest hotel is the Best Western which the crosswalk dead ends into. Park Vue also is right across the street.

 

[irlandaise]

Thanks! Is that 10 minutes to security or to the turnstiles?

10 minutes to the Esplanade/security. No way to predict how long it will take to get through security to the turnstiles.

 

[crystal1313]

Park vue inn! They are right at the crosswalk and they just refreshed the rooms with new flooring and furniture and paint in June.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

I do not ordinarily post links to YouTube videos for posters to watch, but

Hi. I’ve been waiting for the 2026 onsite hotel reservations to open. Now that EE will be gone, I don’t see how I can justify the onsite cost. We always maximized EE every day - it was still very valuable to us even at only 30 minutes, as we could usually get at least three to five big rides done.

So now I have to look at offsite hotels, which I’ve never paid any attention to before. There are so many threads and so much information on this forum that I don’t even know where to start.

We are going in February 2026. Me, DH and DS (23). DH doesn’t like long walks back to the hotel so we stayed at GCH the last few trips. That means staying as close as possible is a priority. While we appreciated the GCH’s features, we don’t actually care about luxury - basic is fine as long as it’s clean. We also don’t need parking and likely wouldn’t be using a pool. A mini-fridge and microwave would be ideal. If any other information would be useful, please let me know.

I know there are lots of strong opinions on the various options and I’m happy to hear all of them!

Thanks!

I do not ordinarily post YouTube videos for posters to watch. But, I would recommend you search for some videos. There are various individuals who have done pretty good reviews of hotels. Here is one linked below as an example...

 

[RockyMtnMouse]

We're fans of Desert Inn and Suites. It's across the street (next to Park Vue). I've never stayed at Candy Cane, but I believe the rooms at Desert Inn are bigger and $100 less per night (for our family of 5).

 

[Disneyland1084]

Tropicana Inn and Suites is decent,and right across the street. I stayed there last summer,and just reserved a package there for next summer. With your son being 23, I DON'T recommend Howard Johnson or Marriott Theme Park Entrance as both hotels cater more to families with small children. I've stayed at both and loved it, but that was when my girls were little. You'd probably like Park Vue Inn. It's directly across the street. It's plain and very basic, but I enjoyed my stay there. Then there's the Desert Inn and Suites,right next to Park Vue. The continental breakfast is awful,otherwise the rooms are nice. The beds were comfortable. Good luck whatever you decide. If you book on Disneyland.com ,keep in mind Park Vue and Desert Inn and Suites aren't listed. You'll have to book direct. ..Oh, there's Park Place Inn and Mini Suites,but keep in mind their rooms cost hundreds of dollars more a night than some of the others.

 

[OlliePop27]

For anyone going to Tropicana, they do have AAA discounts and a returning guest discount once you've stayed there. You have to call to get it. I can stack the AAA and returning guest discount. I book online then call and they give me the updated rate. I always book room only directly through Tropicana. It's always cheaper to book hotel and tickets separately.

 

[OneTrackMind]

Thanks for all of the information so far. It’s very helpful!

 

[hardcorestitch]

Hi. I’ve been waiting for the 2026 onsite hotel reservations to open. Now that EE will be gone, I don’t see how I can justify the onsite cost. We always maximized EE every day - it was still very valuable to us even at only 30 minutes, as we could usually get at least three to five big rides done.

So now I have to look at offsite hotels, which I’ve never paid any attention to before. There are so many threads and so much information on this forum that I don’t even know where to start.

We are going in February 2026. Me, DH and DS (23). DH doesn’t like long walks back to the hotel so we stayed at GCH the last few trips. That means staying as close as possible is a priority. While we appreciated the GCH’s features, we don’t actually care about luxury - basic is fine as long as it’s clean. We also don’t need parking and likely wouldn’t be using a pool. A mini-fridge and microwave would be ideal. If any other information would be useful, please let me know.

I know there are lots of strong opinions on the various options and I’m happy to hear all of them!

Thanks!

First of all... I know it may not apply to everyone, but if you have relatives within a reasonable range of the Disneyland area, try booking a hotel near your relatives (or stay with them if they don't mind). The drawbacks are that you may have to incur a parking fee and there will be additional time required because of SoCal traffic being terrible. I have folks in the Inland Empire that are within about half an hour's distance to Disneyland.

If that doesn't work for you, try Hotel Indigo or Candy Cane Inn if cost is not a concern as those will be your closest to Disneyland's front entrance security. You may wanna book those as early as you can since that prime location can be gobbled up quick. Days Inn Anaheim and Majestic Garden have shuttles to Disneyland so you don't have to walk as much if that's what you're after.

 

[disny_luvr]

We adored the Candy Cane Inn when we stayed there last year. It's about a 7-8 minute walk to the front gates, but they also provide a shuttle.

 

[Pluto468]

The Candy Cane Inn was wonderful when I stayed there in June. The shuttle is great and they have a nice breakfast. The walk was very easy for times we didn't want to wait for the shuttle.

I also really like the BW Plus Anaheim Inn. 2 minute walk to the gates and hot breakfast.

 

[vacay77]

It’s expensive but my favorite off-site hotel is the Courtyard. Well within easy walking distance and rooms are very clean. I also like the Hyatt. It’s a farther walk but we could stay on points and it used to be complimentary breakfast for Hyatt members (not sure if still includes breakfast). Instead of walking down Harbor, we’d pay for Ubers which didn’t cost too much and felt safer than walking down Harbor.

 

[MonocularVision]

We like the Hilton Garden Inn and Home2Suites around the corner on Manchester (we are Hiltonfolk). 12 minute walk or so to the security gates for us including the light at Harbor.

 

[laugard]

My top two favorites are Candy Cane Inn and Park Vue Inn. I prefer CCI, but lately they've been more expensive than Park Vue, and with Park Vue having refreshed their rooms recently and being at the crosswalk, that's been the call.

Will add that we typically only book for an overnight as we're within driving distance. Also, we don't care about hotel breakfast as we like to eat in the parks. Candy Cane easily wins there for people who factor breakfast into the equation, however.

Both places allow you to keep your car parked after checkout. And both are either all flooring (CCI) or mostly (PVI) so don't have to worry about carpet cleanliness.

I do also like that Candy Cane's front desk is staffed overnight. Park Vue's front office is locked with only a number to call. Candy Cane's shuttle is nice, though not as convenient as pre-COVID when it ran every half hour (now is only once every hour). But you just can't beat the closeness of Park Vue. They, and the BW Park Place, are the absolute closest to the crosswalk.

ETA: Across the street, have also stayed at BW Park Place, BW Anaheim Inn and Desert Inn and Suites

 

[PiratesOfTheSea]

We are DVC owners so we don't stay offsite as much anymore, would also echo the recommendation for Candy Cane. The Courtyard is great too but it's more for families with younger kids.

We stayed at Candy Cane post-renovation and the beds are as comfortable if not more than the ones onsite. The service and included breakfast can't be beat either. Only thing is the standard rooms are on the small side, so I'd at least book one of the premium rooms for three adults.

 

[LKing]

I do not ordinarily post YouTube videos for posters to watch. But, I would recommend you search for some videos. There are various individuals who have done pretty good reviews of hotels.

Anaheim Park Tourist is a great channel for hotel reviews.